Kuwait doctors tackle tumor, restore child’s limb function

18/08/2026

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 18: A multidisciplinary medical team at Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital has succeeded in removing a cancerous tumor from the leg of a child. The tumor spread throughout the anterior compartment of the leg, so the team performed advanced reconstructive surgery to preserve limb function and restore the ability to move. The case required the removal of the tumor-affected components of the anterior compartment, including the muscles and tissues responsible for foot movement. This could have resulted in the inability to lift the foot and difficulty in walking. After the tumor removal, the team performed the rapid intraoperative frozen section to ensure the excision margins are free of tumors before proceeding to the functional reconstruction phase of the limb.

The surgery involved transferring the peroneus longus muscle to the anterior compartment of the leg, along with nerve transfer and reconnection to restore movement and function. The extensive soft tissue loss was repaired using a surgical flap with microvascular perforating elements to provide the necessary coverage for the area and reconstruct the damaged tissue. This procedure affirmed the advanced expertise and capabilities of Kuwaiti medical professionals in performing specialized and delicate surgeries, and keeping pace with the latest medical technologies and practices.

It is part of the ongoing efforts of the Health Ministry to develop healthcare services and localize advanced medical expertise and technologies. The medical team included Dr. Talal Dashti and Dr. Khaled Al-Tarrah who were in charge of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Abdulrahman Al- Rifai for anesthesia, Dr. Nuseiba Al- Muhaisen, Dr. Magdi Abdel-Motaal and Dr. Islam Al-Desouki for orthopedic oncology surgery, and Dr. Salama Ayad and Dr. Thunayyan Al-Omairi for orthopedic surgery and lower limb muscle transfer.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff